A genetic variant of HIV linked to rapid disease progression in the US and Europe is rare in Africa, according to a new study. The findings may impact the design of HIV vaccines and therapies for underdeveloped regions where the epidemic is expanding.
The Johns Hopkins University hurricane test house, built in 1997, has collected over 2,000 data sets on wind pressure and movement, shedding light on the impact of powerful winds on coastal homes. The research aims to inform building codes and reduce property damage caused by hurricanes.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have adopted Belarusian-developed magnetorheological finishing (MRF) technology to polish high-precision optics, including camcorders, CD players, and telescopes. The process uses a unique slurry that changes viscosity in response to magnetic fields.
A study by Daniel I. Sessler and colleagues found that surgical pain increases the risk of infection by reducing tissue oxygenation, which is crucial for fighting infection. The study showed that patients with minimal pain had higher tissue oxygenation concentrations and a lower risk of infection.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered novel regulatory mechanisms that move serotonin transporters on and off the cell surface. This finding opens possibilities for developing new antidepressant drugs with novel actions.
Researchers have identified a substance produced by the tuberculosis bacterium that triggers an immune response, suggesting it could enhance vaccine effectiveness. The substance, combined with vaccines, may push the body's immune system in the right direction to fight tuberculosis and other microbial infections.
Researchers identified two genetic elements, AE5' and AE3', that regulate human Factor IX expression, leading to increased coagulation capacity with age. The study provides insight into the molecular basis of age-related changes in blood clotting.
Researchers found that a common antibiotic, gentamicin, can arrest disease progression in 15% of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients with a specific genetic mutation. The approach may also be effective for similar subsets of people with other genetic disorders. Small-scale clinical trials are planned to test the treatment.
Researchers found that tamoxifen causes the estrogen receptor to form a unique pocket that changes its response to the drug. New drugs targeting this pocket may offer hope to patients with breast cancer resistant to tamoxifen.
A large-scale study by the University of Chicago found that immunotherapy, a treatment aimed at preventing recurrent miscarriage, is not effective. Women who received this treatment had more and later miscarriages compared to those receiving a placebo.
The National Science Board has approved a new Science and Technology Center to develop environmentally friendly processes using alternative solvents. The center, led by Dr. Joseph DeSimone and Dr. Ruben Carbonell, aims to reduce organic waste generated in manufacturing and chemical production.
The University of Southern California has received a historic gift of $110 million from the W.M. Keck Foundation to establish the Keck School of Medicine and enhance its health sciences program. The donation will focus on neurogenetic disorders, with potential breakthroughs in understanding and treatment of debilitating diseases.
Physicists at Northwestern University have demonstrated that superfluid helium-3 can conduct sound waves transversely, a property previously observed in solids. This discovery provides conclusive proof of the existence of transverse sound waves in liquid helium-3 and opens up new possibilities for studying its internal structure.
The Everglades' low biodiversity, caused by nutrient deficiencies, makes them vulnerable to pollution. Researchers recommend reducing agricultural runoff and filtering water through marshes to preserve the ecosystem's character.
Researchers find mosquitofish devour tadpoles just as readily as mosquitoes, decimating native amphibian populations in streams. The study urges local governments to reconsider using mosquitofish as a control measure.
Solid-state transformers, developed by Purdue University, promise to replace conventional technology and reduce power-quality problems. They eliminate electrical pollution, decrease current requirements, and minimize environmental impact.
Researchers used embryonic stem cells to repair damaged nerve fibers in a rat model of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. The study showed that transplanted cells can promote myelin sheath growth, potentially leading to improved function and clinical applications.
A new study found that walking rapidly for 45 minutes, three days a week, can significantly improve mental-processing abilities in adults over 60. The exercise triggered faster reaction times and heightened the ability to ignore distractions on computer tasks.
Engineers at Purdue University have developed a training program that instructs workers on techniques to minimize styrene emissions. The program resulted in a 42.4% decrease in emissions, with an additional 19% reduction in the quantity of styrene needed for the job.
A new study found nearly half of Internet health pages contain unverified information, with 6% containing wrong data. Doctors and patients can benefit from using trustworthy sources, such as government and nonprofit sites, to access accurate health info.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are launching a clinical trial to assess the impact of isoflavones, found in clover and soybeans, on the human endometrium. The study aims to determine whether these plant compounds can counteract estrogen's proliferative effects and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
Scientists discover Munc13-1 regulates the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles, leading to a functional shutdown of synapses. Without Munc13-1, nerve cells cannot signal due to an arrest in vesicle maturation, highlighting its essential role in neurotransmitter release.
Lemurs play a vital role in dispersing seeds for tree species in Madagascar's dry forests, which would otherwise fail to regenerate without them. The study found that the brown lemur is responsible for dispersing most of these species, highlighting the importance of reintroducing lemurs and reducing fragmentation.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute successfully transformed normal human cells into cancer cells, shedding light on the complex process of tumor development. The new cell lines offer a unique window into the biochemical and physiologic changes that occur during cancer formation.
Researchers discovered that male fruit flies displace and incapacitate a previous male's sperm to fertilize eggs. The study found that the last fruit fly to mate with the female sires most offspring, and that seminal fluid alone cannot cause displacement of stored sperm.
Researchers developed a transgenic mouse model of chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), enabling the study of immune responses and drug development. The model opens opportunities for scientists to test drugs in the liver and understand how HBV causes liver disease.
Researchers at Michigan Tech have genetically engineered a new breed of aspen that produces up to 15% more cellulose and grows significantly faster than regular aspen. This could translate into huge gains for the pulp and paper industry, with potential savings of billions of dollars.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute developed a molecule that allows blood stem cells to multiply without differentiation in the test tube, improving bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy research. This breakthrough could enable scientists to insert genes into human stem cells for treating genetic disorders.
Researchers found that rigidity of rock and sediments increases with depth in subduction zones, affecting earthquake duration and seismic waves. This discovery provides a powerful tool for seismologists to improve earthquake probability calculations and better understand destructive earthquakes.
Researchers uncover crucial role of copper chaperone in delivering copper to superoxide dismutase enzyme, a key player in treating Lou Gehrig's disease. The study reveals the structure of the yeast copper chaperone protein, which helps protect copper from unwanted cellular interactions.
The American Geophysical Union will host two major scientific meetings in 1999 and 2000, covering a range of earth and space sciences topics. The 1999 Fall Meeting in San Francisco will feature newsworthy presentations on hydrological issues and special sessions on biogeosciences and education.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) is hosting a public meeting to review its report on carcinogens and gather feedback from interested parties. Written and oral comments can be submitted until September 15, with the goal of informing the review process for the 10th edition of the Report on Carcinogens.
A University of Toronto researcher found that home births enable women to connect childbirth with their religious beliefs and family relationships. The study involved 45 American women from diverse backgrounds who valued having loved ones nearby during birth.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that 74% of adhesive tape specimens were colonized by pathogenic bacteria, which can contribute to serious diseases. Discarding the outer layer of tape significantly reduced bacterial growth, making it a simple way to reduce the risk of hospital infections.
Purdue University students won the Institute of Food Technologists' competition with their high-protein, ready-to-eat cereal SOY-PRO, made from soy flakes and fortified with standard nutrients. The team overcame flavor challenges by toasting the soy flakes and adding sugar and sodium bicarbonate.
A team of scientists will conduct seismic experiments along a 600-mile route, using specialized instruments and explosions to create detailed profiles of the Earth's crust. The project aims to gain insight into the formation of the Rockies and improve knowledge of earthquake hazards, natural resources, and water resources.
A study by University of Toronto Professor Roy Shephard found that light physical training has the strongest protective effect on immunity in sedentary young adults. The research, published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, suggests that low-volume exercises are optimal for improving immunity in this population.
Researchers at U of T used nonlinear dynamics techniques to predict seizures and identified a dynamic regime - type III intermittency - that takes place during seizures. This approach may improve techniques to control the brain's transition to seizure, offering new hope for patients with intractable epilepsy.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have made a breakthrough in treating multi-site brain cancers by combining tumor-attacking viruses with an approved chemotherapeutic drug. The treatment works by suppressing the immune system's antiviral response, allowing the virus to selectively kill malignant cells.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered the molecular signals that lead to programmed cell death in spinal cord injuries. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of drugs to prevent or limit the consequences of spinal cord injury.
Research suggests that stress can alter key biochemical markers in the body, weakening the immune response and increasing susceptibility to infections. Stress may also lessen vaccine effectiveness and confound studies of certain illnesses.
A recent study found that restricting children's access to foods they want may lead to over-indulgence when they are free to make their own choices. Children took larger portions and ate more than normal when the restricted food was made available again.
A nationwide study found that young baby boomers build wealth slowly and steadily, increasing their net wealth by $2,394 each year. By the time they reach their 30s, 87% of participants have accumulated at least some wealth, with median assets growing from a low of $1,500 to a high of approximately $50,000.
Researchers identified a possible new tumor-suppressor gene that plays a role in colon cancer and may predict response to new cancer therapy. The gene produces a protein important for fat cell maturity and metabolism, and its mutations may make tumors more susceptible to the antidiabetes drug troglitazone.
A UK researcher has partnered with R.J. Reynolds to develop nicotine-based drugs targeting Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, obesity, and depression. The partnership has resulted in several potential drug candidates being evaluated for clinical trials.
A study by Ohio State University found that 57% of homeless children aged 8-12 experience symptoms of depression, with boys being particularly at risk. The researchers also found that these children face extreme poverty, which can have detrimental effects on their cognitive and emotional health.
A recent study found that low-fat diets combined with moderate exercise resulted in not only desired weight loss but also significant loss of bone mineral density. Women who participated in the study lost an average of 7 pounds, but also experienced twice as much bone loss as those who didn't modify their diets or exercise patterns.
UK researchers found that stroke patients with left hemisphere damage are perceived more negatively due to language problems, while those with right hemisphere damage exhibit nonverbal communicative deficits. Educating caregivers about these effects can help ease communication problems.
UCSF researchers suggest hospitalists should establish relationships of trust with patients and PCPs to ensure confidentiality, shared medical decision-making, and patient autonomy. Hospitalists can improve end-of-life care by discussing patients' preferences with PCPs and developing skills in addressing these issues.
A new computer model suggests that more frequent mammogram screenings can dramatically reduce breast cancer deaths. The study found that prompt annual screening could result in a 51% reduction in breast cancer deaths, with twice-yearly screenings potentially cutting death rates by as much as 80%.
A landmark study shows ReQuip reduces dyskinesia risk by 15-fold compared to L-dopa, with comparable symptom control and lower required doses. The treatment has improved patient outcomes and reduced CNS adverse experiences.
Driver fatigue is a leading threat to road safety, with at least 100,000 crashes and 1,500 fatalities attributed to it annually. New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that fatigued drivers become increasingly susceptible to accidents long before they fall asleep at the wheel.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington found that nearly half of college students reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact or coercion. The study revealed that men were just as likely as women to report being victims of unwanted sexual contact, and those who experienced it showed similar symptoms o...
Biologists at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that lower estrogen levels allow cytokines to bind to bone cell surfaces, leading to bone destruction. Estrogen replacement therapy may be able to prevent this by increasing decoy receptor proteins, which inhibit cytokine binding.
A twin study found that genetic factors contribute more to women's depression, even in mild cases. The research suggests that genes, not family environment, are the primary cause of depression in women.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine suggest that obesity drugs can improve long-term weight loss results when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Patients who have already made significant progress through behavioral programs may still benefit from medication to maintain their weight loss.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute break Abbe's diffraction limit in focusing light microscopes using two laser beams and stimulated emission. The new microscope achieves sub-Abbe resolution, enabling imaging of intact transparent specimens in three dimensions.
Researchers found that psychological stress increases cortisol levels, which can slow down the delivery of cytokines to wounds, leading to slower healing times. This study provides a new insight into how stress affects physiologic changes within the body and may have serious consequences for patients recovering from surgery.
Researchers found that new high-efficiency filter materials can lead to uneven contaminant distribution and reduced efficiency when used in devices with high airflow rates. Manufacturers of vacuum cleaners and other air-filtering devices can improve performance by running products at lower speeds or increasing filter size.
The Institute of Food Technologists honored four journalists for their investigative reporting on food safety and irradiation. Martha Groves, John Wasik, Bob Gilmartin, and Lea Thompson won awards for their compelling stories, which shed light on issues such as adulterated ground beef and inadequate produce inspection.